Greaseball's Gang are diesel engines, bullies who back up their boss at all times. They open the show, skating in formation with helmet lights piercing the dark. The gang all appear near identical and menacing.
Personality[]
Greaseball's backup lackies, the gang members are hostile bullies. Good at following orders and unafraid of physical violence they tease and laugh at Rusty before beating him up. They are masters of creating fear whether it be through demeaning silence paired with physical gestures like punching their fist into an open hand, or loudly throwing insults, the fleet of engines close in in an alarming capacity.
They rarely travel without their leader, and rarely interact with other characters such as the coaches, as they are not given the chance due to very quick intervals of stage time.
Story[]
In the original production, the three gang members with spoken lines were named "Tank", "Gook", and "Lube". It should be noted that "Gook" is an offensive slur, and all names were not kept outside of London. In some revisions starting with the Broadway production, "Rolling Stock" follows "Entry of the National Engines". This means that half the ensemble are present as National Engines not Gang at the top of the show. Alternatively, including the original production, those same ensemble roles are Gang for the opening number. The gang also appear later in the show, supporting Greaseball and beating up Rusty as needed.
Appearance[]
The Gang costumes are generic black diesel engines, lacking any particular eye-catching features. Originally the Gang had wigs while not wearing their helmets, these were phased out during the 1990s. The Broadway-style costumes originally featured the Confederate Flag on the chest, and subtle coloured details to differentiate the costumes close-up. The Confederate flag was removed in 2017 when its political significance had been highlighted in world events.
The Gang costumes are quick-change costumes, as almost invariably the Gang performers also play other roles throughout the show. For example, the Freight have only a few minutes between "Rolling Stock" and their own introduction. This is facilitated by the costumes held together with large, strong zips that can be changed quickly.
Gallery[]
Role[]
Only a few productions had the Gang as listed character roles. London, which featured a large ensemble, and more cues for the Gang to come on regularly before it was phased out. The Japan/Australia Tour also saw more characterisation and visual distictions for the gang.
The actors who play the gang also usually play the National Engines, Freight, and Components. The Gang also turn into the track Marshalls. It is debatable whether Trax are included in the Gang. In some early productions "Gang 1" and "Gang 2" etc were dedicated roles, effectively on-stage swings - extra ensemble roles for performers who covered many other parts.
Fan Theories[]
See Here for Fan theories about the Gang.